During the break between quarters, the three prominent commentators at TNT's broadcast desk were engaged in a heated discussion.
"The Spurs have been incredible tonight. Their defensive intensity is unbelievable!" Kevin Harlan said first. "They've successfully contained Li, turning him into a pure playmaker."
Bill Walton shook his head. "I don't see it that way, Kevin. Six assists means Li's passing is still tearing through the Spurs' defense. The problem is that the other Knicks players haven't converted those opportunities into points. The Spurs' rotations and switches have been outstanding."
Marv Albert summed it up. "Either way, the Knicks are in trouble. They have to find a way to break the Spurs' defense, or it's going to be a very difficult night."
The second quarter began, and the situation on the court remained deadlocked.
The Knicks brought in the Madman, Sprewell, hoping his tireless attacking energy could tear open the Spurs' defense, but the results were minimal.
The game devolved into a brutal tug-of-war. The score rose back and forth, but the margin hovered around five points, with the Knicks always playing the role of chaser.
Second by second, the clock ticked away, and the third quarter was nearing its end.
"Oh my god!" Marv Albert's cry spread across the United States through the microphone. "A beautiful behind-the-back pass! After drawing a double-team from Duncan and Robinson, Li didn't even look at his teammate's position—the basketball flew to Allan Houston in the corner as if it had eyes! Three-pointer good! That's Li Fei's fifteenth assist tonight! Let's look at the replay... wait! The Spurs are quickly pushing in transition! Avery Johnson's long pass finds Sean Elliott streaking downcourt, a beautiful bounce pass to the trailing Tim Duncan! Duncan catches it and goes up for the layup... oh! My god! Li